15 Unique PB&J Recipes Kids Will Love (2024)

Looking for a little variety in the routine that the kids will actually still eat? Try these twists on an old favorite

If you’ve got a picky eater, there’s one thing you can almost guarantee they’ll eat—a PB&J. It might not be the most exciting combo in the world, but the good news is, there are a bunch of inventive recipes with peanut butter and jelly out there to help you kick it up a notch. To keep things fresh, we’ve found 15 ways to enjoy this classic treat for breakfast, snacks, and dessert.

Breakfast Recipes with Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

This recipe brings two classics together in the most perfect way. The only problem will be having to stop yourself from making it every Sunday.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffles

What we love about this breakfast idea is that you can absolutely use frozen waffles. Top them with peanut butter, honey, banana, raisins, or jelly.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Swirl Bread

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As much as we'd like to have a sit-down breakfast every morning, sometimes we just have to grub on the go. That's where this tasty breakfast bread from Cook Nourish Blisscomes in super handy—no messy knives and no sticky fingers, just a hearty slice of heaven to start your day. A word of warning: do NOT try and toast this bread, it will make quite a mess!

PB& J Pancake Sandwiches

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Using pancakes instead of bread? Why not? Before you go thinking you're spoiling your little jelly monsters, take a look at this recipe from Weelicious—it's healthy! We're pretty sure you won't hear many complaints, as your kids will be too busy snacking on their new favorite way to eat PB&Js.

Related:23 Easy-to-Prep School Lunch Ideas for Kids

Snack & Lunch Recipes with Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Bites

These energy bites could work as a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack. Full of protein and flavor, they take 15 minutes to make. Get the recipe from Favorite Family Recipes.

PB&J Pizza

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Our kids are already big fans of the cheesy variety, so we're pretty confident that they'll be beside themselves when they hear you're making them Nicole'sspecialPB&J pizza for snack. They'll be even more excited when you let them pick a topping or two—banana slices for pepperoni, coconut flakes for shredded cheese, get creative! Major style points if you can pipe the jelly out onto the pizza like this.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi

How do you make a sandwich even more finger food-y? Roll it up and cut it into sushi rolls. These would be great for feeding a bunch of little rugrats, as they could just pop a few of these in their mouths. We love Brit + Co.‘s idea of topping them with fresh fruit to compliment the flavors of the jelly.

Peanut Butter Quesadillas with Jelly Dipping Sauce

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This PB&J from Home Cooking Memories goes south of the border. Reducing the jelly down to a sauce makes a sweet, syrupy mixture that is great for dunking. Another great snack choice for multiple hungry mouths, whip up a few of these and lay them out for an afternoon snack.

Dessert PB&J Kids Will Love

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake

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Sounds good, looks good, tastes great. ThisChocolate-Covered Katierecipe uses a mixture of milk and vanilla extract instead of ice cream, so it's at least a little healthier for you. Adding in frozen berries for jelly also makes this shake extra smooth without the extra guilt. Best enjoyed with a crazy straw.

Dark Chocolate Dreams Sandwich

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After this treat, you may never want to sink your teeth into plain ole PB&J again! Peanut Butter & Co.'s Dark Chocolately Dreams spread, preserves and coconut is all it takes to make the sandwich of your dreams a reality.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake

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Sweet and savory is a classic flavor combo, and no two things bring together these tastes like peanut butter and jelly. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that Jessica of How Sweet It Is thought to create a PB&J-inspired dessert. Using whole wheat flour makes this cake a little more healthy, so you don't have to feel guilty about eating it for dessert...and next morning's breakfast.

PB&J Pops

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How many licks does it take to get to the center of a PB&J pop? We're not sure, but we know of a few little ones who wouldn't mind being our guinea pigs for this little experiment. Thanks to Catherine of Weelicious for another great PB&J recipe.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

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We love bite-sized desserts almost as much as our kids do. Plus, desserts always seem that much more adorable when they're just pop-able enough to warrant eating at least two or three. Jamie of My Baking Addiction makes these cupcakes with white cake in lieu of white bread, and have a hollowed-out center filled with sweet jelly, then topped with peanut butter frosting. Simplydecadent.

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15 Unique PB&J Recipes Kids Will Love (2024)

FAQs

How can I make my PB&J more interesting? ›

For a fresh take on the standard PB&J, try a Pita Pocket PB&J layered with the great taste of Jif Peanut Butter, Smucker's Jam, and fresh strawberries and bananas. Be creative! Swap out strawberries and strawberry jam for blueberries and blueberry jam, or raspberries and raspberry jam.

How to make PBJ for 1 year old? ›

Directions
  1. Using a knife, spread peanut butter onto one slice of bread.
  2. Top with 1 tablespoon fruit puree.
  3. Place second piece of bread on top.
  4. Cut into bite sized pieces for babies and toddlers.

Can I give my 1 year old PBJ? ›

We're here to put your mind at ease: You can and should offer baby peanut butter when they start solid foods. Despite what we used to think about food allergies, newer research shows that giving baby common allergenic items early on can actually help prevent the development of food allergies.

How to jazz up a peanut butter sandwich? ›

Instead of jelly, add fresh banana slices to your peanut butter sandwich. If you want to be like Elvis, grill both sides of your sandwich on a skillet in a bit of butter. You can also even add a few slices of bacon!

Why does PB&J taste so good? ›

It's delicious

Chef and author Justin Warner calls this “the law of peanut butter and jelly.” The fat in peanut butter is mostly good fat, the sweetness comes from the jelly, and the bread is the vehicle that holds all this gloriousness together. The combination is basic but tasty and satisfying.

What flavor is best for PBJ? ›

When it comes to the classic peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich, there's no doubt that grape jelly reigns supreme. Our research indicates that its sweet, fruity flavor perfectly complements the creamy richness of peanut butter, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture that's hard to resist.

How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich 11 steps? ›

How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
  1. Step 1: Gather Supplies Necessary. ...
  2. Step 2: Take Bread Out and Place on Plate. ...
  3. Step 3: Use Knife to Gather Peanut Butter. ...
  4. Step 4: Spread Peanut Butter. ...
  5. Step 5: Optional: Wash the Knife Under Hot Water. ...
  6. Step 6: Gather Jelly on the Knife. ...
  7. Step 7: Spread Jelly on Bread.

Can PBJ be healthy? ›

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich can be a nutritionally balanced meal filled with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and key nutrients. However, the nutrient value of your PB&J depends on the types of bread, peanut butter, and jelly chosen.

How to make peanut butter and jelly without peanut butter? ›

Sunflower Butter and Jelly

Whether your child's classroom is nut-free or you're simply looking for a change of pace, sunflower-seed butter is a tasty alternative to peanut butter. It pairs well with jelly or honey, as well as bananas, carrots and ants on a log—almost anywhere you would use peanut butter.

How do you pack a PB&J for lunch? ›

Tips for meal prepping PB&J

Go for something sturdy so they sandwich lasts. Don't over fill the sandwiches. If you add in too much peanut butter or jelly, your lunchboxes will end up a sticky mess. A coupe of tablespoons of each on each piece of bread is plenty.

Is PB and J good for kids? ›

Low in sugar, packed with fruit and a solid nutritious snack! Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are part of toddlerhood. Whether you introduce your toddler to this staple yourself, or they start to request it after seeing it at daycare.

Are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches good for kids? ›

Peanut butter and jelly is a classic favorite among kids and adults. And, good news, UnityPoint Health Dietitian Tricia Leininger says it's an excellent snack or quick meal.

Is PB and J healthy for kids? ›

Depending on the type of bread, peanut butter, and jelly you use, a PB&J can be nutritionally balanced. Here are some health-promoting swaps for your peanut butter and jelly sandwich: Try to choose a nutrient-packed type of bread. Whole grain or sprouted grain is best.

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